President’s Message
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By Eric Langenbacher, president@burleith.org
This will surely be the strangest fall in recent memory. Schools have gone on-line—at least for now. Many offices are still off-limits. Retail businesses and restaurants are open with limited capacity. We can only hope that a vaccine is developed and distributed as quickly as possible—following best scientific procedures of course. Following the BCA’s $1,000 donation to worthy pandemic-related causes earlier this summer, the Board has resolved to donate another $1,000. We have solicited our members for suggestions and will proceed with the donation(s) in early September.
Even though the pandemic lately seems better in our region, Washington, DC, remains in Phase 2 of reopening. Mass gatherings of over 50 people are prohibited. Folks traveling in from a variety of high-risk states (please check here for the Mayor’s latest guidance) need to self-quarantine for 14 days. People should maintain a social-distance of at least 6 feet both in doors and outside. Perhaps most importantly, masks should be worn when going outside your home (unless you are engaged in vigorous exercise). Although I have observed pretty good compliance with the mask mandate, there is still room for improvement.
Several neighbors have noted to me that they have underlying conditions that make them more susceptible to catching the virus. It is essential that everyone complies. Perhaps consider reminding newcomers to the neighborhood about this important public health requirement. Also, there are still some reports of some runners and joggers engaging in unsafe and uncourteous behavior. In any case, more details about current DC policy and various mandates are available here.
Georgetown University started classes during the last week of August. It is completely on-line for the fall semester and approximately 500 students will be living on campus. There are students living off-campus in Burleith and other neighborhoods, who must adhere to specific guidelines. All of the details of the university’s “Community Compact,” which must be signed by all students, are available here. As the proud parent of a freshman, I can personally attest (via the number and tone of emails) that the university is taking this seriously and is prepared to use their sanctioning system for violations.
The community should know that the university has prohibited gatherings of more than 10 people. Mask-use and social-distancing are mandated whenever a student is outside of his/her house (except for vigorous exercise). Off-campus students are not allowed in any campus buildings. Regular rules about noise, trash, etc., still apply.
The situation is not ideal and compliance (as always) will be an issue. If necessary, I would ask neighbors to gently remind students (or anyone else) about mask-wearing, social distancing, and the size of gatherings. The university’s Office of Neighborhood Life is also committed to enforcement and compliance. For problems at any time, please call the university’s SNAP help line at (202) 687-8413. The BCA is also actively monitoring the situation and will take appropriate measures if necessary.
Regarding other quality of life issues, grass cutting season is still in effect. Neighbors must keep all vegetation below 8 inches. You also need to take care of the grass between the sidewalk and street. Again, new residents might need to be reminded of this duty. There are on-going concerns about rats in the neighborhood, as well as vacant or unmaintained properties. We have information on abatement measures on the website’s Good to Know page. Be sure to submit a request through DC's 311 system. Also, if your green or blue bin is damaged (rats often gnaw through the plastic and create holes), please request a free repair from DPW. The litter and medical waste problems that have affected the neighborhood for quite some time have somewhat improved, thanks in part to MedStar pick-ups 7 days a week on portions of Reservoir Road, R, S, and 39th and 38th Streets—but are by no means solved. Please remain vigilant and report any medical waste to trash@burleith.org and mguhcommunitycleanup@medstar.net.
I hope that if you are not already a member you will consider joining the Burleith Citizens Association, which is approaching its 100th anniversary in a couple of years. Also, the BCA has been running its own listserv for a couple of decades. I understand that there are competing local listservs, but please also post to ours because many neighbors get local information here. You can join by emailing burleith+subscribe@groups.io. To post, email burleith@groups.io. We are still looking for a new editor of the Burleith Bell, our newsletter.
On a positive note, it appears that interior demolition and renovation work is commencing at the long-shuttered Whole Foods on Wisconsin Avenue. Although no re-opening date has been announced, it will likely happen in the second half of 2021. Activity is also pretty intense at the new Wegman’s on the old Fannie Mae campus, which should also open in 2021. Three beautiful new tennis courts will likely open in the next few weeks in Montrose Park off of R Street.
Finally, I wish all of the students in the neighborhood—whatever level they are at—the best of luck for the 2020–2021 school year. Good wishes should also be extended to all of the parents, supporting their children in so many ways under such challenging circumstances.
Stay healthy!